Highgate punished for mistakes

Midland Football Alliance

Highgate gave a good account of themselves against unbeaten league leaders Barwell but were ruthlessly punished for mistakes at the back.

Stand-in goalkeeper James Fryer, on loan from Chasetown, did well to save from a number of early shots on goal by the visitors.

Barwell took a somewhat fortunate 22nd minute lead when Liam Doyle’s attempted clearance in a crowded goalmouth went in off a surprised Scott Hadland.

Immediately after the break Tom Thacker brought a good save out of Barwell’s keeper, and the visitor’s resolute defence did well to deal with another threatening cross. But Gate were soon to find themselves further behind after 65 minutes - a misplaced pass set up Kevin Charley for a shot deflected past the flat footed Fryer.

Despite the two goal deficit, Gate continued to play some good football. However, when Fryer miss hit a simple back pass, McDonald fired the loose ball into the back of the net for his side’s third and final goal.

The first half took a while to get going and when it did saw neither team come out ahead in a dull, scrappy affair.

Boldmere hit the post early in the second half to signal their intent, but it was Shirley who took the lead - Kevin Montague slotting in from a rebound. As usual though the lead did not last long, as Boldmere levelled on 83 minutes.

Midway through the first period of extra time Ben Ince’s persistence paid off, when the Boldmere keeper came off his line, he lobbed the stranded keeper from 18 yards to grab the winner.

Birmingham AFA Division 2
Sutton United 3rds 3 – 2 Silhill

Sutton took the lead early in the game, and despite several chances, it took Silhill until the 58th minute to get the equaliser through Colin Noble.

Danny Partridge then looped the ball over Sutton’s stranded keeper to see Sils take the lead. But the fine play was then undone when the visitors switched off for ten disastrous minutes.

That saw their outclassed yet wily opponents to try their luck with through-balls that created two unstoppable goals in one-on-ones against unprotected goalie Chris Flowers.

Birmingham AFA Division 3
St Pauls 4 – 2 Shirley Athletic

Shirley went into this game unbeaten for the last four weeks but were caught out within the first few minutes when a low drive was not gathered by the keeper.

Against the run of play, St Pauls then broke through the midfield and drove in a shot at the near post to go two up.

St Pauls scored their third goal early in the second half and then got another, before Shirley managed two late goals to improve the scoreline.

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